Suicide Mountain

Rawly
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Simi Valley, CA US
10/23/2021 10:22pm
Ozy wrote:
I recall hearing that Irvine Co. owned the land and leased it. The leasee got sued a bunch of times and didn't even file a response...
I recall hearing that Irvine Co. owned the land and leased it. The leasee got sued a bunch of times and didn't even file a response and the Irvine Co kept ending up in court.

I do not believe an industrial complex was constructed on this site. pretty sure it is undeveloped to this day

My memory is vague between saddle back and Indian dunes but I do remember a water truck rolled and people were seriously injured (or worse)
Water truck rolled while on a hillside and killed the driver. Happened before the days practice and racing started. Was a sad day for sure.
G-man
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10/25/2021 9:24pm
Another pic I've never seen and gives perspective of the commitment needed.



7
10/26/2021 6:52am
G-man wrote:
Another pic I've never seen and gives perspective of the commitment needed. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/10/25/516100/s1200_FB_IMG_1635204658323.jpg[/img]
Another pic I've never seen and gives perspective of the commitment needed.



Micky Dymond on a Maico.
4
G-man
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10/26/2021 11:47am
Micky Dymond on a Maico.
Memory is fuzzy, remember Mickey on a Husky but not a Maico.

Btw does anyone know how he is doing after his bicycle accident?

The Shop

10/26/2021 12:27pm
Micky Dymond on a Maico.
G-man wrote:
Memory is fuzzy, remember Mickey on a Husky but not a Maico.

Btw does anyone know how he is doing after his bicycle accident?
He had a Maico ride 81-82, he was fast on them in the 250 and 500 class. He was hard to beat Friday nights at Indian Dunes on a Maico 250.

He’s pretty much normal, and has even raced a few vet races in Europe.
2
AZ35
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Peoria, AZ US
Fantasy
10/26/2021 2:46pm
I was there in 1984, I vividly remember spectating on the first ledge of suicide mountain during practice.

It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed.

I think it was Eric Eaton to be the first rider that morning to jump the gap to the next level (it was 1 of the 500cc fast guys but not a factory rider- just can't recall which one).

We could just hear the engine noise, except he didn't shut off and a split second later I had to look almost straight up to watch him launch to the next level. Something I will never forget, just a "holy shit" moment.

Glen Helen has some steep hills, but Suicide Mountain was a nearly vertical cliff. That got chopped to hell and dusty as the day went on, yet some guys continued to try and jump it.
8
10/26/2021 3:15pm
Micky Dymond on a Maico.
G-man wrote:
Memory is fuzzy, remember Mickey on a Husky but not a Maico.

Btw does anyone know how he is doing after his bicycle accident?
Micky on a Husky in '84.

He's much improved. He went to France for the Mémory Moreau event. And he's gone back to work for All Access, a company that provides stages, structures, lighting towers, etc. for entertainment events.



12
Bearuno
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AU
10/29/2021 6:31am
Did Micky ride (for Kolbe) Can Ams for a short time?
Steve125
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10/29/2021 7:02am
Steve125 wrote:
Saw this pic of RJ recently. Thought it was pretty cool. Also a Vic photo [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/10/20/515115/s1200_230515205_10225782484135052_7980431529450167474_n.jpg[/img]
Saw this pic of RJ recently. Thought it was pretty cool. Also a Vic photo

I'd be taking the line his shadow is taking.
5
FWYT
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San Diego, CA US
10/29/2021 7:50am
UpTiTe wrote:
He had a Maico ride 81-82, he was fast on them in the 250 and 500 class. He was hard to beat Friday nights at Indian...
He had a Maico ride 81-82, he was fast on them in the 250 and 500 class. He was hard to beat Friday nights at Indian Dunes on a Maico 250.

He’s pretty much normal, and has even raced a few vet races in Europe.
Man, that is great to hear!!!!!!
3
G-man
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11/1/2021 11:42am Edited Date/Time 11/1/2021 10:51pm
AZ35 wrote:
I was there in 1984, I vividly remember spectating on the first ledge of suicide mountain during practice. It was so steep, you could not see...
I was there in 1984, I vividly remember spectating on the first ledge of suicide mountain during practice.

It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed.

I think it was Eric Eaton to be the first rider that morning to jump the gap to the next level (it was 1 of the 500cc fast guys but not a factory rider- just can't recall which one).

We could just hear the engine noise, except he didn't shut off and a split second later I had to look almost straight up to watch him launch to the next level. Something I will never forget, just a "holy shit" moment.

Glen Helen has some steep hills, but Suicide Mountain was a nearly vertical cliff. That got chopped to hell and dusty as the day went on, yet some guys continued to try and jump it.
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed."

Very good description AZ35, that's EXACTLY how I remember it, very Gnarly!👍

Some might not remember the first DOUBLE JUMP was done at Saddleback (2nd picture below) when Magoo jumped it the previous year I believe.

Double jumps were still in there infancy that is why when Uptite said "it wasn't that hard" I had an eye roller moment. 🙄

But who knows maybe Uptite was a fast Mofo, just don't know why he likes anonymity. Woohoo If I podiumed a National that is something to be rightfully proud of.

5
G-man
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11/1/2021 11:45am
Bearuno wrote:
Did Micky ride (for Kolbe) Can Ams for a short time?
Don't remember Micky on a Kolbe Can-Am.
Donny Hansen, Greg Robertson, Jim Holley were the fast guys from there and Juan Benevidez was a Factory Can-Am racer.
2
11/1/2021 7:07pm
Bearuno wrote:
Did Micky ride (for Kolbe) Can Ams for a short time?
No, him and a guy named Fred Hudgens were both Maico factory supported riders in 81-82.
11/1/2021 7:10pm
Bearuno wrote:
Did Micky ride (for Kolbe) Can Ams for a short time?
G-man wrote:
Don't remember Micky on a Kolbe Can-Am. Donny Hansen, Greg Robertson, Jim Holley were the fast guys from there and Juan Benevidez was a Factory Can-Am...
Don't remember Micky on a Kolbe Can-Am.
Donny Hansen, Greg Robertson, Jim Holley were the fast guys from there and Juan Benevidez was a Factory Can-Am racer.
Jimmy was never a Kolbe guy, he was a straight Can Am factory rider, he hated those bikes.
1
Melicar
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11/1/2021 7:39pm Edited Date/Time 11/1/2021 7:40pm
B Lenny wrote:
Been postin' for years with UpTite and DMG and I know who DMG is but not gonna say..Some of you Clowns better recognize...Dry
Why is it such a secret... Afraid you're going to get get Burned, it's just not worth it?
anniebertmojo
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California, CA US
11/1/2021 7:50pm
Steve125 wrote:
Saw this pic of RJ recently. Thought it was pretty cool. Also a Vic photo [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/10/20/515115/s1200_230515205_10225782484135052_7980431529450167474_n.jpg[/img]
Saw this pic of RJ recently. Thought it was pretty cool. Also a Vic photo

Steve125 wrote:
I'd be taking the line his shadow is taking.
Present Day - SM
7
G-man
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Mesa, AZ US
11/1/2021 8:10pm
UpTiTe wrote:
Jimmy was never a Kolbe guy, he was a straight Can Am factory rider, he hated those bikes.
Actually after I posted that I knew it was a mistake but was at work and didn't bother fixing.

Didn't know Jimmy hated those bikes but on those machines is where Donny earned the name "Holeshot Hansen".

I'll never forget the day at Indian Dunes and I was on the next gate at the Infamous Shadow Glen track behind him. He had such a jump on the pack wheeling down the start slapping the clutch lever like a newborn! Woohoo

One of those things you never forget.
1
Sully
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11/1/2021 8:51pm
B Lenny wrote:
Been postin' for years with UpTite and DMG and I know who DMG is but not gonna say..Some of you Clowns better recognize...Dry
Melicar wrote:
Why is it such a secret... Afraid you're going to get get Burned, it's just not worth it?
I thought I read something here a while ago saying that Uptite isn't Burnworth?
11/2/2021 5:12am
UpTiTe wrote:
Jimmy was never a Kolbe guy, he was a straight Can Am factory rider, he hated those bikes.
G-man wrote:
Actually after I posted that I knew it was a mistake but was at work and didn't bother fixing. Didn't know Jimmy hated those bikes but...
Actually after I posted that I knew it was a mistake but was at work and didn't bother fixing.

Didn't know Jimmy hated those bikes but on those machines is where Donny earned the name "Holeshot Hansen".

I'll never forget the day at Indian Dunes and I was on the next gate at the Infamous Shadow Glen track behind him. He had such a jump on the pack wheeling down the start slapping the clutch lever like a newborn! Woohoo

One of those things you never forget.
Apparently at the end of 1980 he did ride a short time for Kolbe.



3
11/2/2021 5:14am
B Lenny wrote:
Been postin' for years with UpTite and DMG and I know who DMG is but not gonna say..Some of you Clowns better recognize...Dry
Melicar wrote:
Why is it such a secret... Afraid you're going to get get Burned, it's just not worth it?
Sully wrote:
I thought I read something here a while ago saying that Uptite isn't Burnworth?
I’m not.
2
Steve125
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CT US
11/3/2021 7:53am
Melicar wrote:
Why is it such a secret... Afraid you're going to get get Burned, it's just not worth it?
Sully wrote:
I thought I read something here a while ago saying that Uptite isn't Burnworth?
UpTiTe wrote:
I’m not.
I always thought you were the Test rider in your Vital pic on the 82 RM.. Since I have every damn magazine from 78-84 and I own 3 82 RM250s, I've seen that picture and read the caption, while reading a test in one of my magazines.
If you are that guy, you've probably been photographed for magazines more often than any rider in history.
FGR01
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AZ US
Fantasy
11/3/2021 10:55am
G-man wrote:
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear...
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed."

Very good description AZ35, that's EXACTLY how I remember it, very Gnarly!👍

Some might not remember the first DOUBLE JUMP was done at Saddleback (2nd picture below) when Magoo jumped it the previous year I believe.

Double jumps were still in there infancy that is why when Uptite said "it wasn't that hard" I had an eye roller moment. 🙄

But who knows maybe Uptite was a fast Mofo, just don't know why he likes anonymity. Woohoo If I podiumed a National that is something to be rightfully proud of.

Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983?

Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio in 1975. Check this post and video/pic from DC:

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Jumps-that-were-not-supp…

By 1983 doubles were a totally common feature on local tracks even way the hell over in PA! LOL
2
blaze 57
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Inchelium, WA US
11/3/2021 11:56am Edited Date/Time 11/3/2021 12:01pm
AZ35 wrote:
I was there in 1984, I vividly remember spectating on the first ledge of suicide mountain during practice. It was so steep, you could not see...
I was there in 1984, I vividly remember spectating on the first ledge of suicide mountain during practice.

It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed.

I think it was Eric Eaton to be the first rider that morning to jump the gap to the next level (it was 1 of the 500cc fast guys but not a factory rider- just can't recall which one).

We could just hear the engine noise, except he didn't shut off and a split second later I had to look almost straight up to watch him launch to the next level. Something I will never forget, just a "holy shit" moment.

Glen Helen has some steep hills, but Suicide Mountain was a nearly vertical cliff. That got chopped to hell and dusty as the day went on, yet some guys continued to try and jump it.
I believe Eric Eaton might have been on a Maico then. His father sold Husky's and Maico's out of his shop in Tacoma during that era. Eric has the business today. He was a top pro here in Washington in the 80's.

Never forget the day when his 79' Maico pitched a rock right through a vans front window that was parked near the first turn. This was at a VERY rock infested track in Spanaway, Wa. What was so weird the hole in the window was so clean it appeared as a bullet went through it.
ATKpilot99
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Location
Lake Geneva, WI US
11/3/2021 12:08pm
G-man wrote:
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear...
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed."

Very good description AZ35, that's EXACTLY how I remember it, very Gnarly!👍

Some might not remember the first DOUBLE JUMP was done at Saddleback (2nd picture below) when Magoo jumped it the previous year I believe.

Double jumps were still in there infancy that is why when Uptite said "it wasn't that hard" I had an eye roller moment. 🙄

But who knows maybe Uptite was a fast Mofo, just don't know why he likes anonymity. Woohoo If I podiumed a National that is something to be rightfully proud of.

FGR01 wrote:
Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983? Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio...
Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983?

Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio in 1975. Check this post and video/pic from DC:

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Jumps-that-were-not-supp…

By 1983 doubles were a totally common feature on local tracks even way the hell over in PA! LOL
I first raced in 84 and yes there were doubles. Hated them , wouldn't do them . I didn't race again till 94 and I would do tame doubles that could be found on private practice tracks but just didn't enjoy it . Grass track and trails are the only thing I'll ride .
11/3/2021 12:09pm
AZ35 wrote:
I was there in 1984, I vividly remember spectating on the first ledge of suicide mountain during practice. It was so steep, you could not see...
I was there in 1984, I vividly remember spectating on the first ledge of suicide mountain during practice.

It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed.

I think it was Eric Eaton to be the first rider that morning to jump the gap to the next level (it was 1 of the 500cc fast guys but not a factory rider- just can't recall which one).

We could just hear the engine noise, except he didn't shut off and a split second later I had to look almost straight up to watch him launch to the next level. Something I will never forget, just a "holy shit" moment.

Glen Helen has some steep hills, but Suicide Mountain was a nearly vertical cliff. That got chopped to hell and dusty as the day went on, yet some guys continued to try and jump it.
blaze 57 wrote:
I believe Eric Eaton might have been on a Maico then. His father sold Husky's and Maico's out of his shop in Tacoma during that era...
I believe Eric Eaton might have been on a Maico then. His father sold Husky's and Maico's out of his shop in Tacoma during that era. Eric has the business today. He was a top pro here in Washington in the 80's.

Never forget the day when his 79' Maico pitched a rock right through a vans front window that was parked near the first turn. This was at a VERY rock infested track in Spanaway, Wa. What was so weird the hole in the window was so clean it appeared as a bullet went through it.
82 n 83 my friend I go riding with was his mechanic during the nationals when he was on maico. Before going to Yamaha. It is why my friend uses the #92 was eatons national number in like 82.

You see a beta rx300 at like shougal or around here locally that's him.
Sully
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11/3/2021 4:43pm
G-man wrote:
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear...
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed."

Very good description AZ35, that's EXACTLY how I remember it, very Gnarly!👍

Some might not remember the first DOUBLE JUMP was done at Saddleback (2nd picture below) when Magoo jumped it the previous year I believe.

Double jumps were still in there infancy that is why when Uptite said "it wasn't that hard" I had an eye roller moment. 🙄

But who knows maybe Uptite was a fast Mofo, just don't know why he likes anonymity. Woohoo If I podiumed a National that is something to be rightfully proud of.

FGR01 wrote:
Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983? Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio...
Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983?

Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio in 1975. Check this post and video/pic from DC:

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Jumps-that-were-not-supp…

By 1983 doubles were a totally common feature on local tracks even way the hell over in PA! LOL
Keeping with the Saddleback theme, if I remember correctly, wasn't the first time Danny Chandler did the Magoo Double something like '78 (maybe '79) on a Maico?
4
Magoofan
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Shadow Glen (for those who remember), CA US
11/3/2021 6:33pm
Oh man...what a great thread. Saddleback was a great place to race...glad I got to back in the day. (...and no, not at the pro level)...

Suicide Mountain is an icon.
3
G-man
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Mesa, AZ US
11/3/2021 11:01pm
FGR01 wrote:
Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983? Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio...
Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983?

Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio in 1975. Check this post and video/pic from DC:

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Jumps-that-were-not-supp…

By 1983 doubles were a totally common feature on local tracks even way the hell over in PA! LOL
Well there's always a Debbie Downer in every thread. 🙄

Guess I should have been more descriptive of the double jump that Magoo first did.
It was the type jump that if you did not make you would impale yourself, end up in a wheelchair or worse.

There was a good reason "the Magoo DOUBLE JUMP" at the Saddleback National is part of Motocross History. Unless you were there you have no idea as pictures don't do it justice for that era of bikes and riders. Same with Suicide Mountain.

Here is a recent and VERY ACCURATE description of Saddleback from Terry Good.

"Back in the day the CMC organization held races at Saddleback and Carlsbad every weekend on a rotating basis and once a month was the big daddy. The $1000 dollar purse race at Saddleback. On that day they would open up the famous and very dangerous Banzai Hill to the pro's only. The best of the best would come out for these races and there were names that nobody heard of outside Southern California that would occasionally beat the factory riders. The competition was unbelievable. Not to take anything away from anybody else but each week the competition was on a AMA national level.

When I first moved out to California from Michigan in 1975, the first race I went to was at Saddleback and I was shocked at how fast these guys were. Many raced four and five times a week, all in the Los Angeles area and had these tracks wired. Stu Peters, the organizer of CMC ran a tight ship and attracted the "Best of the Best." CMC was almost a sub-culture in Southern California in the 1970's early 1980's. Everybody was friends, there were no clicks, beginners pitted with the pro's, everybody helped each other and it seemed like one big family, every single week. For about a 15 year window in time this was the place to be and everyone that was there knows exactly what I'm talking about."
10
G-man
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Location
Mesa, AZ US
11/4/2021 6:13am
G-man wrote:
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear...
"It was so steep, you could not see down to the bottom. You could see the turn before the jump face, then the riders would disappear until the crested the ledge.

You could hear the engine noise as they came up the hill, then you would hear them shut down to scrub speed."

Very good description AZ35, that's EXACTLY how I remember it, very Gnarly!👍

Some might not remember the first DOUBLE JUMP was done at Saddleback (2nd picture below) when Magoo jumped it the previous year I believe.

Double jumps were still in there infancy that is why when Uptite said "it wasn't that hard" I had an eye roller moment. 🙄

But who knows maybe Uptite was a fast Mofo, just don't know why he likes anonymity. Woohoo If I podiumed a National that is something to be rightfully proud of.

FGR01 wrote:
Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983? Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio...
Wait, are you saying the first ever double-jump in MX history was done at Saddleback in 1983?

Story I've always heard is Marty Smith at Mid-Ohio in 1975. Check this post and video/pic from DC:

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Jumps-that-were-not-supp…

By 1983 doubles were a totally common feature on local tracks even way the hell over in PA! LOL
Sully wrote:
Keeping with the Saddleback theme, if I remember correctly, wasn't the first time Danny Chandler did the Magoo Double something like '78 (maybe '79) on a...
Keeping with the Saddleback theme, if I remember correctly, wasn't the first time Danny Chandler did the Magoo Double something like '78 (maybe '79) on a Maico?
You are RIGHT Sully, I stand corrected.
It was 1979!! BobbyM posted this article. 👍

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Old-MXA-article-on-Magoo…
1

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